178 people and 122 dogs celebrated the Dia de los Perros (day of the dogs) at Old Town amphitheater on May 17. Mayor Barbara Spector, her husband Ira, and their dog, Monty, were there--Mayor Spector officiated. Vice Mayor Mike Wasserman left Babs and Bubba, the "boxers of Broadway," at home in the air conditioning. Councilmember Joe Pirzynski brought Jack, who must have the sidewalks of Main St. and Los Gatos Blvd. memorized by now. And Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Ofc. Sam Wonnell brought Quarz, the retired police dog who just turned 11.
Kim Daly of Los Gatos Unleashed is working to create a dog park in Los Gatos
The event was inspired by Kim Daly of Los Gatos Unleashed, the effort to get a dog park for Los Gatos, and by Jonathan Knowles, who acted as emcee. Planning Commissioner Michael Kane was there. So was Christine Benninger, president of the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, which is partnering with Los Gatos Unleashed. Sue Farwell sat to one side with Dante and Ajax.
This may become an annual gathering, like the Howling Halloween dog event. In fact, Society Dog helped with Los Perros. Everyone got "doggie bags" with treats, toys, and coupons donated by 25 local businesses. The Los Gatos Theater put "Los Perros Day" on the marquee, and dog kerchiefs were for sale that read "Los Perros, CA 95030."
4 of 20 decorated dog statues: Romeo, Mockingbird, Willow, and Pepper
How Much is that Doggie in the Window?
20 Los Gatos businesses are participating in the "How Much is that Doggie in the Window?" arts fundraiser. 20 identical dog statues have been decorated in an amazing variety of styles by local artists and everyone is encouraged to bid on their favorite entires. The silent auction ends June 5.
Jonathan Knowles, Councilmember Joe Pirzynski, and Jack
Audience for the first Los Perros day
Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Officer Sam Wonnell with retired police dog Quarz
Sue Farwell and her two dogs, Dante and Ajax
Mayor Barbara Spector wearing her Los Perros badge
Look for decorated dogs at the following locations:
Purple Onion
26 E. Main St.
Salt
78 W. Main St.
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
101 W. Main St.
Los Gatos Gourmet
109 W. Main St.
Nuance
130 W. Main St.
Plush Boutique
22 S. Santa Cruz Ave.
Peabody Art Gallery
11 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Gardino Fresco
51 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
The Maids Quarters
36 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Black Swan Boutique
44 Elm St.
Bow Wowzer and Purrsnickety
100 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Trevese
115 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Bella Rosa
145 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos Framing Company
220 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Inner Journey
222 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Los Gatos Cafe
340 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Bianco
418 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
La Esquina
551 N. Santa Cruz Ave.
Wild Bird Center
792 Blossom Hill Rd.
Lark Avenue Classic Car Wash
16500 Lark Ave.
[Thanks to Jonathan Knowles for his help with this article.--Ed.]
Very well done event hope it helped out.
Bet we get a dog park before we get a skate park. Gotta prioritize don'tcha know.
Actually, all research studies indicate just the opposite Kevin. Communities with dog parks have far fewer dog/dog and people/dog incidents. Fewer barking complaints, fewer complaints about irresponsible pet ownership, fewer strays, and a host of other benefits to a community.
This isn't really a surprise because dogs need to interact off-leash in order to properly socialize with other dogs as well as people. When dogs are properly socialized there are significantly fewer incidents.
Cornell, University of Chicago, University of California Davis, and University of California San Diego have all done some very interesting research on this subject.
Considering almost 3/4 of all Los Gatos households have at least one dog (approximately 8000 dogs in 12,500 households according to local animal control) a dog park/parks might be something we should consider.
Well, leave it to me to knuckle under to heavy peer pressure, Jonathan. And forgive my ignorance, but studies vs. how people actually behave in front of me are two different things.
If a dog park keeps my neighbor's dog from trampling my landscaping, another neighbor's dog from making messes in my front yard, and a different neighbor's dog from barking all day, maybe then it will be a good thing. We will see.
But, how will this improve dog owners behaving better towards their neighbors and not putting their pet between themselves and everyone else?
I have had town council member's dogs shove their nose in my crotch, bark so loudly half-way down their street that everyone and anyone couldn't help but hear them, and come tearing out of their front doors charging and snarling at me.
So, don't tell me about your wonderful experiences with pets, Jonathan. You can keep your silly little pet to yourself.
Dogs are dirty. They are destructive. And, they are loud. Their owners just cannot believe anyone in this world wouldn't want to be a friend to their precious, little puppy. Many pet owners easily put the rights of their pets above those of their fellow humans and think nothing of it. Being belligerent and intrusive with one's pet seems par for the course.
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